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Arsenal could be ready to move for a new defender before the January transfer window closes, according to reports in the Netherlands. Ajax man Tobias Alderweireld has previously been linked with Tottenham, so will a £9m offer from the Gunners be enough? talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight explains all...

What's the latest?
Arsenal's big move in the January transfer window could be for a defender, if reports in Holland are to be believed. Ajax centre-back Toby Alderweireld had previously been linked with a move to Tottenham, which looked particularly appealing given he used to play alongside Jan Vertonghen at Ajax, but it's now believed that the Emirates is his most likely destination. Ajax are currently pursuing Everton's John Heitinga, and if they can pull that deal off, £9m is said to be enough for Arsenal to land Alderweireld.

Did you know?

1) Alderweireld started his career at Germinal Beerschot's youth ranks, the same club to produce Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen, and the youngster managed to achieve Belgian youth international status during his years at the club. The defender moved to Ajax as part of a partnership between the two clubs in 2004, joining their famous academy.

2) Following his steady progress in the Ajax youth side, the defender was at the point of making his professional debut in the 2007/08 campaign, after being included in several squads due to injuries to senior players. In the end he would have to wait until the following season for his bow, however, with Marco van Basten handing him his first competitive appearance against NEC in January 2009.

3)Martin Jol's arrival at Ajax signalled the real kick start to Alderweireld's career, with the current Fulham boss putting his faith in the youngster. It paid off, as the Belgian making six appearances in Ajax's run to the KNVB Cup that season. The defender would go one better the following season, winning the Eredivisie as a first choice centre-back alongside Jan Vertonghen. He would subsequently win the Dutch league for the second time in 2011/12.

4) Alderweireld is known for his physical style, alertness and aerial ability, proving a useful asset for Ajax from set-plays. He has also proven capable of recovering the ball from opposition strikers cleanly, committing few fouls. If he can adapt to the Premier League then he could prove a quality signing for Arsenal, particularly considering his previous history with Thomas Vermaelen.

5) The defender made his Belgium senior debut in the 2009 Kirin Cup, taking part in a 1-1 draw against Chile. Strong competition for a place in the Belgian defence from Vincent Kompany and Vertonghen has somewhat limited his international appearances, though his ability to play at right back has helped him gain caps for his country.

They say
"Both Toby and Jan are naturally gifted defenders. They are extremely talented. Toby is a typical defender and is an excellent stopper. I saw him play twice during pre-season and I was convinced of his qualities. However, he is capable of so much more than just marking a striker out of the game. He is quite good on the ball as well and I see him as a future star player." Former Ajax coach Martin Jol on Alderweireld.

Video evidence

Would Alderweireld be a strong signing for Arsenal? Let us know below...